Numerian in perfect order to defend Van Heemst crown

Numerian is in great order for this weekend’s Group 2 Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot.

The nine-year-old produced the perfect tune-up run when finishing seventh, some three lengths from the winner Light Infantry Man in the Northerly over 1800m almost two weeks ago.

Co-trainer Rob Archibald says he and Annabel Neasham’s veteran gelding finds himself in a very suitable race second-up after his promising run upon resumption.

“I thought he was excellent,” Archibald said on SENTrack’s Giddy Up.

“He was five weeks between runs, he got caught on a limb which from the draw was always going to be a little bit sticky, but he stuck on bravely considering the run he had.

“That should really tighten him up. We always felt like the Van Heemst was the more suitable race of the preparation and hopefully it all comes together for him on the weekend.”

Numerian won the Van Heemst last year so Archibald has confidence that the former Irish galloper has it in him to run well again, especially if he can sit close to the speed

“Back to weight-for-age should suit. He’s in good order,” he added of the Sydney-based gelding.

“Fitness-wise, that will really tighten him up that run in the Northerly.

“Hopefully we can draw a nice soft gate and get a lovely, economical run. If we get that, I’m confident he can run well.

“He’s thriving since he got there (to Perth). He loves the tracks, he loves the style of racing.

“All the right signs, he’s seems to have come through the run well and hopefully he can take that to the race track.

“Certainly from our point of view we couldn’t fault him.”

Numerian, who will be ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, is up against the likes of Socks Nation, Casino Seventeen, Russian to The Bar and In Good Order in Saturday’s Van Heemst.

Image from The West Australian.

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